Derek Young is a US-based motivational speaker and founder of the Young Motivational group who seeks to transform leadership and diversity through motivation and strategy.

When asked how women could succeed in businessat a RutherfordCABLE meeting in Tennesse on Tuesday, Young spoke of the practical skills that he believes will help women rise to the top in male-dominated environments.

Young made the comments to an American audience, but we reckon Australian women may also be interested to hear what he had to say.

Young claims that men in power succeed because they know their business.

In order to succeed you need to be knowledgeable of your industry of your company. Knowledge is a powerful tool and walking the talk of your business is instrumental for success.

"If you want to be influential, you have to know your industry, your business" he says.

Learn from Carol Burnett

According to Young "women who make it the top are quick on their feet,"

And the women you should be taking your cues from? Legendary comedienne Carol Burnett, famous for her quick wit and who, during the Q&A segment of The Carol Burnett show, was required to anticipate what was coming and think on her feet.

"Don't deal with things as they should be, but as they are. Women who rise to the top plan it, envision it, and they anticipate what is going to be thrown at them".

No more martyrs

"Ladies who make it to the top don't allow the world to martyr them," Young said.

Taking on too much and ignoring your own needs isn't going to help you in the long run. Know your limits.

"Take a break before you need a break, and you will find that you never need a break," Young said, referring to both small respites during the day and vacation time.

Clarify the why

Knowing what direction you're heading in is crucial to success. If you don't know your vision and what you are willing to do to get there, Young suggests visualising where you want to be in 10, 15 and 20 from now.

"If you don't have that clear purpose, you tend to go with the flow,"

Don't ask for mentors

According to Young, "there aren't a lot of men who will reach down and mentor women."

But there are also a lot of powerful women who aren't willing to help out either. And there is a big different difference between "looking for mentors and looking for mentoring."

Young warns that we nee to be conscious of the fact that one mentor might not be able provide a full set of skills to help you.

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